Meet Helen Sanderson | Queer, Neurodivergent Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Helen Sanderson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Helen, what habits do you feel play an important role in your life?
I think for me it’s the lack of habits that have helped me succeed. I am constantly allowing myself to explore new molds, mediums and ways of creating. I have ADHD and I truly believe that it is a huge part of why I have been successful. I give myself the room to go where my mind takes me. Sometimes impulsively, but it allowed to stumble upon my business. I started creating and didn’t stop. My most used habit is letting myself explore. From art, to physically exploring the outdoors, I have gained so many amazing experiences and lessons by following the random ideas of my mind.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I think what I love about my art is that it truly reflects who I am as a person. Each piece I make is totally unique, it will never be able to be replicated. Each piece is a chance to try something new, trust my gut and see what happens. They are bold, loud and stand out. I am bold, queer, confident and at times intense. I use bright colors, all kinds of glitters, glow powders, intense shades, and mix them with unique, odd shapes. The results are always making me smile, laugh and yell to my wife to hurry and look! I want people to feel something when they interact with them.

The pots, shelves, tarot cards, Goddess figures, fridge magnets, alters all share a piece of me. I have a wide range of interests and that is reflected in my work. It may feel like a random collection of items, but it’s me.

I think starting a business and taking a risk is hard. I stumbled upon mine in a way that felt natural, but it was still scary. I started making pots and people asked to purchase them. It all started there. I jumped right in and didn’t look back. I trusted my gut, I let myself explore, I lived authentically as me, and it fell into place. There is something truly magical that happens when you find something you love doing, something that feels right. I don’t want to let go of that feeling, so I keep creating, trying new things and growing my business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I am a nature goddess at heart. Hiking is a huge passion of mine. Clear Creek Nature Preserve has great trails that display a little bit of all the Texas terrains. It’s located right outside of the city, perfect for a short hike. I am vegetarian and my current Denton food obsession is Pepitas Vegan Cocina. It’s vegan Mexican food that is out of this world. Literally everything from their menu is amazing. I love shopping local and hitting up the unique spots in Denton. Aura Coffee houses Old Bear Vintage that has unique, vintage clothing. It’s a queer owned business and I am all about supporting my fellow queers. Bewitched Denton holds many of my beloved fellow Denton vendors items, including mine. It has a special place in my heart because it was the first business to carry my items. It is truly a stunning store filled with crystals, gayness, magical everything. Golden Boy coffee is my go to for coffee that is truly coffee. It’s a safe space for so many local queers and holds fun local markets monthly, karaoke and concerts. The final place that you can’t miss in Denton is True Leaf Studio. They carry beautiful plants. It’s truly a plant lovers dreams. The owner is such a kind soul who supports so many local artists and vendors by hosting stellar markets.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family has always recognized and embraced my unique mind. I was given opportunities from a young age to express myself through art. My family still supports me by helping me with childcare for my markets and by cheering me on.

My wife is a huge support for me. She goes along for the ride and never hesitates she I come up with my next thing. Her unwavering belief that I am someone special taught me to believe in myself.

The biggest shoutout goes to myself. For overcoming so many obstacles and doubts. I truly embrace who I am, all that I am, and that has lead me to such a beautiful life. It was a tough journey. Learning to love myself , my mind and the way I function took a lot of work and it deserves a some recognition.

Instagram: Glittergoddesspots

Facebook: Glitter Goddess Pots

Other: Glittergoddesspots@gmail.com

Image Credits
The Burrow Wedding and Portrait Photography